Charms [Open]

[Garrit]

Garrit searched the plains for the hut of an old Ilian woman. That was the only description he had been given, that her home was close to the border of Bern, and that her hut was somehow more Ilian than any other hut he would see on the plain. The nomad who'd told him that made it seem like the plains were covered in huts that were so clearly not Ilian it was ridiculous to think that Garrit could not find it. Garrit had bound his left foot in a piece of cloth from the shirt of a dead bandit, and did not know whether the blood that now bound his wound belonged to him or the man he had killed. His foot hurt with every step.

A bird landed on a rock a few feet from him, and Garrit stopped to peer at it quizzically. He'd always like birds, or envied them in a sense. Seeing them fly away, living without an earthly tether, Garrit wished that he were himself capable of flight. To be able to make the decision to flee at a moments notice. Closing his eyes and flying away. It would be far superior to being a man. For now however, he thought as the bird flew away, his feet would have to do, despite the pain his left foot caused him when he took a few steps. He came to the top of a small hill, and when he reached the top he finally saw... Absolutely nothing. He would have to keep walking, and keep searching these vacant plains for any sign of life.

[Bee]

"So this was the plains", spoke Bee to herself as she walked through the sea of grass. It was a amazing site. Bee had heard that there was grass as far as one can see, but she did not expect for it to actually be true. "Just imagine if it all was on fire", spoke Bee as she stared out over the plains. Her eyes twinkled as she imagined a massive dazzling flamed burning for miles and dancing in the cool winds. Still it was a dream only in her head. If she attempted such a feat she was sure the Saceans would chop off her head and put it on a post. They were mean that way.

Bee still had quite the way to go before she reached the next village. Or she thought she would reach the next village. The plains were a big place. You could see things in the distance and think they were close only to find out it is many miles away. Still this gave a opportunity that that she could not pass up. "Hmm, maybe I can get some magical power practice in", spoke Bee as she pulled out her tome. The maiden called upon the spirits of fire and released a burp of flame. Of course she did not set the grass on fire, that would be stupid, but she did release the attack into the air. It was not much, but it gave the young maiden a idea of where she was at on the magical skill level.

"Still need a lot more practice", spoke Bee a she lamented her lack of skill. As the young fire mage walked she looked up to see a person standing on a hill. At first Bee was hesitant to say anything, but then she realized it was just a person. No one else, not even a battle buddy. So for her it was a clear sign that he was not a bandit. Bandits were like rodents, they traveled in pacts and you can smell them a mile away.

"Good Morning", shouted the maiden as she waved in the persons direction.

[Garrit]

Dear god, the one thing about these plains that he could stand was the silence, and three times now that had been interrupted. This vast tundra of grass presented him a solitude no other nation had ever offered, yet somehow all these blades of grass hummed a tune in the wind that called to every single living thing on the plains and brought them to him. He lifted his head to the woman's greeting, "Good morning to you. Have you seen a hut around here that appears... Ilian? I search for the woman who lives there." Garrit stared at her for a few moments before being made uncomfortable. He peered around the skyline of Sacae for as far as he could see without moving his feet.

"I am Garrit, of the Western Isles, and I seek this woman for my own reasons. I have been told she is somewhere in this area. Any information you could give me would be appreciated. What is your name?" Garrit returned his gaze to the woman and did not remove it. He searched this plain for the woman to protect him from evil. If he was to defeat that beast who had reduced him to such a child like state, he needed something. He had gone to Bulgar, and there he had met an old man who spoke on an Ilian shaman, who specialized in creating talismans which warded off different types of magic. The man then tried to show him a crows foot that had kept him safe when his house got set on fire, but Garrit had already left. Now he searched the plains for this old woman's house, and assumed he'd die before he found it.

[Bee]

Oh so he was a person. For a moment there Bee though she might have been seeing a mirage. She knew people saw them in the desert and that was miles of empty sand so she figured you could probably see them in the plains as well. The only true difference between the plains and the desert is one is covered with grass and has a little bit more water.

"I am sorry but I have not seen no Ilian Hut", shouted Bee. It was strange trying to hold a conversation when they were so far apart, but the man asked her a question and seemed to have no intention of getting close. She guess it was better that way for the both of them. Bee really did not know him so she could not be a hundred percent sure he was safe. The same was also said about Bee toward him. With no guards keeping rules and regulation a simple conversation could turn into a blood bath in seconds. "If you don't mind me asking why are you looking for this hut and woman", shouted Bee! "Oh wait, I forgot to introduce myself! I am Bee. It is spelled B E E! Just like the flying little insect that stings people! However I do not sting nor do I have any intention of stinging anybody! As a matter of facts I hate bees! They give the name bee a bad name!

It was then that Bee remembered she did see a house a few clicks back. Though she was not really sure if it was Ilian. It was the first house she had ever seen since she reached the plains and Bee herself had never been to Ilia. Maybe there was some kind of style difference. Ilia was suppose to be a frozen ocean desert from what she had heard. "Wait there was one house not far back that way", shouted Bee as she pointed toward a large hill! "The house is partially hidden by the large hill! The only reason I saw it was because...., well just know it was there! Bee could not tell the man she was taking a bathroom break. That was far too embarrassing.

[Garrit]

Garrit walked closer to the woman as he no longer had any desire to yell. He made sure to keep the fire out of his eyes, he didn't want her getting the wrong impression. He did however keep his grip on his lance at its usual level of tightness. No point in risking his life to make some random stranger feel safe. When he felt he was close enough, he spoke once more. "I seek protection from evil. This woman supposedly has the capability to produce a charm to protect me from harm. If this is true, I need her work. I have made it my destiny to slay a great evil that walks this world, and I am now searching for anything which protects me from the powers possessed by this creature. This is an odd lead, but I will take any that I find."

The corner of Garrit's mouth twisted into the smallest of smiles as the girl explained her relationship with yellow jackets. He'd always been fond of bees. They only ever stung children who moved about or cried out, neither of which were problems for the quiet lancer. This bee seemed nice enough, but impressions could be wrong, especially when dealing with people. Impressions of shoes and rabbits were usually far more reliable. Then she mentioned seeing a house, and Garrit raised his left eyebrow quizzically. "Very well not stinging Bee, I thank you for your guidance. If I am the one who strikes this evil from the world, you will be in my thoughts as I land the final blow. Have a good life not stinging Bee." Garrit attempted to walk around her, giving her the right amount of room to make her feel safe, but not too much to make her suspicious.

[Bee]

"Protection from a monster" ,spoke Bee as she brought her index finger up to her lip. The young maiden looked at him inquisitively. What in the world would send a guy like this into such a fright. As if shaman's and charms could ward away evil. "Have you considered going to a church", spoke Bee in the most innocent tone possible. It was so innocent that it sounded fake. Mainly because it was. Still making fun of travelers was not how you were suppose to act. The man's story however peaked her interest. Bee was not really heading anywhere so following this guy till he did his deed at the shack seemed fun.

"You know you are weird", spoke Bee as she turned and began to follow him. "By the way my name is simply Bee. Not Bee who does not sting. That is just stupid. Why would anybody add who does not sting to the end of there name. Also could you tell me a bit more about this monster, or this evil you are talking about. From the way you are acting this must be some serious beast. I mean I have heard tales of demon wolves and walking corpses, but they have never made anybody run to shamans and hexes for protection. Was it a Centure? You know the half horse half man monsters. Or maybe a Gargoyle I heard they appeared at the City of Heroes. A lot of weird stories are coming out of that region about now. Could it have been one of those blighted monster."

Bee went from poking fun at the young man to a complete 180 of being fascinated by him. Mainly the creature he spoke of. What in the world could cause a grown man to fear like he did. What monster could be... oh wait. "Hold on a second", shouted Bee suddenly as if they were still many feet apart. "Could the monster you are talking about be that Warrior! There was a story from the city of heroes of a warrior being turned into a beast of darkness. They said he had white hair and burning red eyes. He could leap many feet and caried a sword that was as evil as sin itself!"

[Garrit]

Garrit straightened himself at the mention of a church, "Nothing which bears the name Elimine may touch me." Garrit continued walking, and hid his minor annoyance when she started to walk with him. I called you not stinging Bee because it is how you introduced yourself to me. Where I come from, it is polite to speak to someone while addressing them with the name that they give you." It wouldn't surprise him if she didn't know what manners were.

She was curious of the beast which had him in a fright, "It is none of those things. It is not easy to describe, it is more like a..." He trailed off, trying to find a way to describe something so indescribable. Then, the girl described it better than he ever could. Why had so many young people been exposed to these beasts, no, she described hearing about him and his sword- Wait?! His sword?! The monster he'd encountered carried a spear, no sword. Maybe he had- No, no, that must mean there were two of them. Two of something that was impossible. The world was changing around him, and he was powerless to stop it.

He could not hide the mix of fear and anger in his mind, the two emotions intertwined and reached into his voice, "The monster I faced was as you described, except he wore a helm that covered his eyes, and was encased in black armor. In his hand he carried not a sword, but a spear. Peculiar, that rumor must mean there are multiple beasts of this ilk. All the more reason for me to search for some type of protection. I do not know if this White Haired leaper has the sway over men's minds the Armored Abomination I faced has, but if he does, the world will need some sort of protection, and I seek to provide it." By the time Garrit was done speaking far too many words at one time, he saw smoke rising over the crest of a small hill.

He broke into a light jog, and called out, "If you're coming, then come!" When he reached the top of the hill, he saw it, a tiny hut, square in make, wedged between two large moss covered stones. Garrit slid down the hill, and knocked on the door. After a couple brief seconds a call came from inside. "Who is it?" Garrit answered, "A traveler seeking a ward to the darkness." The voice mimicked the young girl. "Why not go to the saint's church." Garrit again hardened his face, "Warding away evil is my intention, I'll not ask the aid of those who walk holding its hand." A laugh came from the other side of the door, and it creeked open. Garrit entered.

The old woman was not much of a pretty sight, She had a giant mole on her nose, and must have been at least eighty. She was very short and very broad, and was covered in dirty gray and brown robes all in tatters. She indicated to two wicker stools, and Garrit sat at one, leaving the other open for Bee. "So, what can I do for you kids?"

[Bee]

"A suit of armor", spoke Bee with amazement. She had heard of the sword one, but now there is also a spear one. Maybe there was a axe one as well. If you follow the pattern it would make sense. Though that does raise the question where do these things come from. Then again where does monsters come from. All she knows is that they appear. There is so much little information about such creatures. Somebody should really get a group of guys together and study these things. Probably take a field trip to Ostia or something like that.

"After a bit of backtracking for Bee the duo reached the house she spoke of. It was a bit, well weird. Who builds your house like this. Normally you want people to see where you live, but then again with no law out here you might not want visitors. "If I ever get rick, I am going to build me a gigantic tower in the middle of the plains. It will be filled with magic and whatever gobably gop I want to throw in it." The statement was more Bee talking to herself than her traveling companion. Since there was no one out here Bee had picked up a nasty habit of talking to herself. She was going to need to check that before she left the plains, but for the moment it was alright.

When the woman opened the door and asked what they were dooming Bee could not help but crack a joke. "Honeymooning, nah just kidding. The serious guy here wanted to know if you had anything that could protect against dark magic. It seems he ran into a monster on the plains that could make your skin crawl. From what I heard it sounds like a beast from the apocalypse or something."

[Garrit]

Garrit hid his annoyance at the girl's speech on her use of riches. This was a serious matter not one to be taken too lightly. Then she made a joke about the two being on their honeymoon. If Garrit had been anyone else, he would have laughed. The thought of him marrying someone was quite funny, he wasn't fit to be in any sort of emotional relationship with anyone, let alone an adolescent girl who talked too much. The old crone listened as Bee detailed their true reason for coming. The woman's head snapped to peer at Garrit, who she now looked in the eye. Garrit was done being intimidated, he did not look away. The woman laughed.

"So, Warrior, you are one of those who is afraid of death? You appear to be dauntless." Garrit stared her down, "Only a fool would have no fear of death." The woman laughed again. She got up, and began rifling through shelves, lifting jars and peering into them. "Tell me warrior, what type of monster has you so deeply shaken?" Garrit stared at the spot her eyes must be across from on the back of her head. A walking beast, not a skeleton or some risen husk, this was a thing more alive than any stories of monsters I have heard. It thought, it spoke. When it spoke, it spoke with a million voices at once. It errupted into my consciousness with a foul stanch that broke me at every center of my being." The woman did not laugh.

She turned around, and held a mortar and pestle, that she had put some mashed up leaves and an odd mixture that Garrit couldn't tell whether it was solid or liquid. She sat down and began mixing it vigorously. The crone had a grim look on her face. She turned to Bee and brightened a little, "Tell me girl, what do you make of this?" Garrit felt a finger of suspicion worm its way into his ear.

[Bee]

"The mixture", spoke Bee as she looked at the woman. Bee had seen the dark arts before and she knew very well that there was no true shield from it. She could have told the frighten warrior that herself, but the man seemed hell bent on finding some kind of charm to ward away elder magic. If it was that easy to ward away elder magic than there would be no need for acolytes or shamans who fear losing there minds.

"Well", spoke Bee as she looked at the concoction. Bee was no herbalist and to be truthful she was a novice at magic. However there was one thing Bee knew and that was magic smelled like smoke. Or at least her magic smelled like smoke. It may have something to do with her magic always being done with fire, but that was another topic for another time. "It looks like some kind of poison you would drink to kill yourself. I am sure nobody would be foolish to drink that out of a cup or be stupid enough to get hit by a arrow with it on it. As for magic and protection from monsters and the dark arts I think you are better off studying up on light magic, or faith magic as my old master use to call it. Nothing in this world can ward off the power of elder magic other than the power of faith itself."

After Bee spoke she turned to see the warrior's face and then back at the old woman. She was not sure if it was the answer the old woman sought, but she spoke her piece. Bee did not really trust the woman. First off she lived under a hill in the middle of nowhere. Bee was desperate for conversation, but she skipped this pace for a reason. Third she was mixing a potion when he asked something to stop magic. Well a monster, but a magical monster.

[Garrit]

The woman coughed as the insolent pink haired brat insulted her in front of a customer. She stared as her as she furiously grinded up her mixture. Then she got back up, and began to rifle through one of the lower shelves again. Garrit looked over at the girl for only a moment before turning his eyes back to the crone. He was not interested in any protection the church could give him, if he thought it would help he'd ask the woman for a ward from the men of Elimine themselves. They were almost as evil as the man in armor. Almost. He turned his eyes back on the old woman.

She turned back, and dashed some gray powder into the mortar. She again ground it vigorously with her pestle. She looked at the girl, "Let me explain something to you girl, this world had magic far before anything on two legs knew how to throw it about. 'Elder' magic as you call it has that name for a reason. Those forces were the earliest among the arcane, and long before any holy man began making lights flash, there were forces at play you wouldn't have read about in your books. So, no, your friend should not look into any of those church magics. What I offer him is something much stronger. Much truer." The woman set down her tools, and began making a small fire in under a pot. Garrit asked her, "What is it you offer me?" The woman smiled, "Why, you'll simply have to wait and see won't you dear?"

[Garrit]

Garrit had not noticed when the talkative girl had left. He was usually observant, but everything about his seemed to be shaken. He was staring at birds, talking and smiling at strangers, and now he wasn't paying attention to his surroundings. It was not good that he had managed to be this shaken by something that quite simply should not have been. He turned his full attention to the woman, allowing himself to be absorbed into every action she took, and in watching, found himself beginning to doubt the validity of this charm that she prepared for him. It seemed to be more of a potion than anything else.

The woman was moving much quicker than her frame would suggest she could. She was grabbing things from seemingly everywhere in ther little hut and throwing it into her mortar. She was grinding it with the pestle visciously, and produced from a cabinet a massive wooden bowl, and began emptying the mortar into it, only to fill it again with three all different ingredients. Garrit had not said anything for a very long time, and the woman had not said anything but the small occasional mumbling to herself. She seemed to be making the concoction completely from memory, not looking at any text or spellbook. Or she was doing it at random, Garrit thought.

She suddenly put both of her hands against the bowl on either side of the rim. and said, "Put your hands over top mine." Garrit complied after only a moment of hesitation. He did not draw back or make a face at the feeling of her skin. It was not like any other elder he had ever made contact with, it was like aged leather, as if someone had intended to use this woman's skin for some crafting project. What shocked the lancer even more was the fact that the woman clearly had a strength her old form did not suggest. Garrit did not feel any strain in her bones, it was almost as if the woman's body brimmed with vigor and confidence. It was odd, like everything about the woman and her home.

She looked at his eyes. "Do you believe you can kill this creature?" Garrit knit his brow, "Only if I grow much stronger." The woman nodded, "You will have to be much much stronger young man. What you describe is something I am not familiar with, and that means it is dangerous. Your surviving the encounter with it at all shows that it is not so powerful that it can kill with this voice of hell. You must become strong enough to ignore those voices. You said a thousand? A million? You must be able to find one. Just one, or you will surely did the next time you meet this beast. Can you? Can you do this?" Garrit nodded and said, "I have thrown my lot in with the monster, one of us must kill the other."

The woman nodded, and whispered, "Very well." She removed Garrit's and her own hands from the bowl, and without putting on gloves, lifted the pot that had sat over the fire, pouring the water in it into the bowl. The water had been at a quiet boil, and when it hit the mixture, it bubbled and hissed, creating a low smoke. It smelled disgusting.

-------

When Garrit left the hut, he had a vial hanging around his neck filled with a greenish brown mixture. It was small, very small. The woman had told Garrit that the mixture would only protect him for a short time, but in order for it to work, Garrit had to believe it would protect him. Garrit wasn't sure he could. He walked away from the hut, a man in doubt.

{End Thread}